Feminine Mystique

A detailed Summary of Feminine Mystique


The "feminine mystique" that American culture promotes is entirely dependent upon its ideas, beliefs, and needs of the time. American culture has always tended to influence women into doing what the day and age required. After men went to war there was a gap in the work force that needed to be filled. During World War II women were the most available to join the work force. Due to the discouragement to raise families during the Great Depression and the fact that most men of age had entered the war, many women were left without families to look after and men to take to take care of them. "Most women toiled at unskilled jobs; most were young, single, and without children" (307). This lack of family and funds left women with no other place to go besides the factories. Women's need for work was nursed along by the media as well as the public.

"A rapidly expanding war economy absorbed most of the reserve labor force," (307) yet it still was not enough, the economy demanded a larger work force. This demand worked in cooperation


"Almost overnight, television became the preeminent mass medium, carrying imaging--feminine or otherwise-of American culture into the home" (313). Television shows displayed the personification of what a husband thought a wife should be. An example of this was the show "Ozzie and Harriet" which showed a warm-hearted, attractive, submissive woman who was only competent within the confines of her own home. Children who grew up seeing this behavior in their own home as well as on television tended to use that lifestyle as a model. Without any external reinforcement, and only by repetition the children learned that men and women had different roles in society. It was this learned behavior which carried the new "feminine mystique" from generation to generation."

with the availability of the women of the time. "'Commando Mary' and 'Rosie the Riveter' became symbols of women who heeded their country's call" (307). There were many enticements luring women to join the work force. These enticements included higher war wages, more available time and opportunity

Some common words found in the essay are:
War II, Mary Rosie, Ozzie Harriet, WWII WWI, , Postwar American, June Cleaver, american culture, labor force, feminine mystique, ideas beliefs, join force, war women, women laid, own home,

Approximate Word count = 720
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History

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